The 2026 Bonner Summer Leadership Institute brought together over 350 changemakers from more than 60 colleges to explore civic engagement, social innovation, and the future of democracy on the banks of the Raritan River. Highlighting Bonner’s commitment to community‑focused learning, the week featured plenary discussions, workshops, and networking events that equipped participants with practical tools and collaborative networks to advance equity and public service on their campuses.
Madilyn McGreevy’s college journey at Rider University is defined by her extensive service as a Bonner Community Leader, where she dedicated over 2,100 hours to supporting children and families in high‑need communities. Through Bonner, she led tutoring initiatives, mentored peers, and completed an Impact Internship, experiences that have prepared her to work as an educational specialist after graduation.
Nyrobi Whitfield ’26 has found purpose through hands-on learning beyond the classroom with Oberlin’s Center for Engaged Liberal Arts (CELA). Through early research in aquatic science and later marine ecology work, Whitfield has turned coursework into tangible climate and environmental insights. Service as a lifeguard and swim instructor, along with sustainability leadership on campus, has deepened Whitfield’s commitment to community engagement. After graduation, Whitfield plans to pursue a PhD in marine ecology and continue building a career in climate change research.
The Bonner/Canale Program at Sewanee cultivates a community of student leaders dedicated to service and relationship-building with local organizations. Through a structured four-year experience, students engage in significant community projects, gaining skills in leadership, cultural awareness, and civic engagement while fostering trust between the university and surrounding communities.
Berry College, Bonner Alum, Dr. Emily Melchior (16C), has established herself as a prominent figure in animal health research, serving as the Manager of Global Outcomes Research at Zoetis Animal Health. She is recognized for her contributions to ruminant microbiology and nutrition, and she actively supports young professionals through mentorship and her involvement in various organizations.
Hailing from Red Hook, New York, Gifford’s wanted to continue her service journey into college. Leading her to choose Siena College, after being selected into their Bonner Leader Program. Gifford values authentically building relationships and making a difference, and felt the Bonner Program was a perfect place to do both.
Morhouse Bonner, Ke'Aun's selection for the 2024 Frederick Douglass-Daniel O'Connell Global Internship program, is a testament to his exceptional abilities and potential. Competing against a pool of outstanding candidates, Ke'Aun, emerged as a deserving recipient of full funding for his internship placement, academic coursework, housing, airfare, and a living stipend. This comprehensive support ensures that he can fully immerse himself in this life-changing experience without financial constraints.
Oberlin Business Partnership is conducting a survey in collaboration with Oberlin College second-year and Bonner Scholar Amanda Cabrera Benitez in order to gather feedback from campus community members about their opinions on small businesses in the City of Oberlin. Cabrera Benitez said that she was inspired to create this project as a way to support both students and business owners.
Nine Bonners have been awarded the 2024-2025 Newman Fellowship. The 2024-2025 Newman Civic Fellows comprise of student civic leaders from 38 states, Washington, D.C., and Mexico. This fellowship, supported by The Allstate Foundation, is a yearlong program that recognizes students who stand out for their leadership potential and commitment to creating positive change in communities. Fellows are nominated by Campus Compact member presidents and chancellors, who are invited to select one exemplary community-committed student from their campus each year.
Bonner from the Swearer Center at Brown University was awarded the Truman Scholarship, a prestigious graduate scholarship for aspiring public service leaders in the U.S. One of the recipients, Jay Philbrick, a Bonner Fellow, Laidlaw Scholar, and member of the Student Advisory Committee, aims to use economic research and software development for social change. He hopes to use evidence-based economic policy to improve people's living standards, especially in retirement support and worker benefits. The scholarship will contribute significantly to the joint JD/PhD programs he plans to pursue after Brown.
The Bonner Foundation has selected five exceptional interns for the 2024 National Bonner Summer Internship program. These interns, from various universities and diverse academic backgrounds, will contribute to the Bonner network by developing resources, assisting in event planning, and working on strategic initiatives. The Bonner Foundation looks forward to the unique contributions these young leaders will make to the network.
Bonner majoring in physics at TCNJ, Michael Polania ’25, has been named a Goldwater Scholar for 2024–2025, a prestigious national designation for students in science and engineering. Among his many research interests, he has a particular focus on dark matter. Polania, who has been involved in numerous research projects from the start of his college career, plans to pursue a PhD in theoretical astrophysics post-graduation.
X Braithwaite, grew up in Newark, New Jersey, a city characterized by crime, poverty, and environmental inequities, sparked my passion for justice. Their involvement in high school activism, education reform, and the Bonner Scholar Program has shaped me into an advocate for change. They recognized the interconnectedness of social and environmental justice, they now strive for equitable access to clean air, water, and green spaces as an Environmental Justice organizer at Clean Water Action.
For Bonner Leader Devin Brown’s capstone project, a geography student at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo, he is developing a plan to create a sustainable “dish library” on campus for event planners to utilize instead of purchasing disposable paper and plastic tableware that end up in the landfill. The Bonner Program, along with some state funding, is supporting Brown’s paid internship at Zero Waste Hawaiʻi, a local nonprofit with a mission to help Hawaiʻi Island communities achieve zero waste.
Aidan Isaac has always held service close to heart.
Even before his service as a Bonner Scholar at Centre College, the senior and Lexington, Kentucky, native earned the rank of Eagle Scout and served his local community.
He highlighted his service as a Bonner Scholar at Centre College and a lifetime of community involvement in his application to the American University School of International Service, a top-10 program for international affairs and Bonner Foundation graduate school partner.
Danielle Aira Savellano, a Bonner Scholar majoring in Biology and double minoring in Computer Science and Global Health Studies at Allegheny College, was recently selected for the prestigious Public Policy and International Affairs Fellowship. As a 2024 fellow, Danielle will be participating in the data analytics track for the Junior Summer Institute in Carnegie Mellon University - Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy.
In celebration of Elaine Wheeler's retirement, we honor her invaluable contribution to the Bonner Foundation. Her commitment and mentorship have been instrumental in our growth as a Foundation and the Network we have today. As she embarks on her retirement, we celebrate her legacy of dedication and look forward to the path she has paved for us.
Jahmarley Vivens ’26 and Sonalini Sapra were recognized for their work in strengthening Guilford's community in the classroom and beyond. Jahmarley, a business major from Miami, was commended for his leadership and efforts to bring students together. Sonalini, the Associate Director for Guilford’s Center for Principled Problem Solving and Excellence in Teaching, was acknowledged for her student-focused lessons and commitment to inclusivity. Both individuals were honored at the 12th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration, highlighting their significant contributions to Guilford College's community.
Meet Dexter Horne '16! Passionate about public policy and government, Dexter works at The Council of State Governments, focusing on leadership development. Inspired by Centre College, he values empathy, research and lifelong learning. Dexter was honored with the Distinguished Young Alumnus Award this past fall.
An excerpt from the Q&A below. Read the full interview here.
workers have a preference for informal work styles, tightly defined schedules, and are unlikely to settle for subpar pay. As a young professional in civic engagement, Sophia Lombardo shared her thoughts, as a Gen Zer herself, that Gen Z prioritizes their own health and happiness and are hesitant to commit to all-consuming, low-paying positions in the nonprofit sector. Nonprofits need to tap into the good feeling toward the sector and offer competitive benefits to attract young workers. However, integrating Gen Z into the charitable world can be challenging due to their demands for change and potential tensions with older nonprofit leaders. The revamped Public Service Loan Forgiveness program could be one way to attract young workers to the nonprofit sector.
Mary Kamikazi ’21 has always had an aptitude for taking on new challenges. A native of Burundi, Kamikazi has made the most of every opportunity — from her lived experience as a refugee in Africa to immersing herself in college and service as a Bonner Scholar, to post-Centre leadership experiences with General Electric and Amazon. Now, she’ll make the move from a corporate position to become Centre College’s first ever Rangel Fellowship recipient.
The 2016 election cycle left an indelible impression on a young Matthew Brodsky. “I knew I really wanted to get involved in politics and policy and create change,” Brodsky recalled. “It just happened. I mean, I went through a bunch of other phases growing up—dinosaurs. Baseball is something I still love. But politics has always just stuck. And I knew that's where I was meant to be.”
Brodsky, now a senior political science major at Rutgers University in Camden, has never wavered from that political pursuit. With a congressional internship on his résumé and future plans that include public office, Brodsky serves as Student Governing Association (SGA) president, advocating for student organizations and civic engagement, particularly around voter registration.
A College of Arts and Sciences student, Brodsky is the student lead of the RUC Votes, a nonpartisan group whose goal is to increase campus voter engagement and education. Last year, the coalition helped Rutgers–Camden win the state’s Ballot Bowl, a competition among New Jersey colleges and universities to register the most voters and secure the most pledges to vote.
The RUC Votes Coalition project stemmed from Brodsky’s work as a Bonner Civic Scholar, which prepares students for public service leadership through community-based partnerships. The program, which includes 300 hours of service per year, is “just a really rewarding opportunity,” said Brodsky; he credits that work with preparing him for acceptance into the Rutgers-Eagleton Washington Internship Award Program.
In 2023, Genny Castillo was listed in Georgia Trend’s 40 under 40 — recognized as a leader with experience in policy, community outreach and administration. Currently, she’s the regional director of the Southern Economic Advancement Project, facilitating its local programming to improve economic security and access to health care. Previously the senior advisor to Stacey Abrams’ gubernatorial campaign, Castillo led one of the most engaged Latinx constituency programs nationwide, earning recognition as one of the top five Latinas reshaping U.S. politics in 2020.
Here she shares Berry’s significant influence on her life choices while touting the value of Berry’s vast network: "I tell people Berry has a small student body, but that student body becomes an alum network with generous reach.”
Castillo adds, “From day one, Berry gave me the space to be an advocate. I was in the minority and felt different, but there was always space to be myself. People call Berry a bubble, but that does not mean there isn't room for different voices.”
Montclair State University's "One Square Mile" initiative is making a significant impact on the city of Paterson, New Jersey. The initiative, which aims to advance racial justice, improve health, and foster student achievement, has established numerous programs and partnerships. These include funding for community schools, support for nonprofits, harm reduction efforts, and educational initiatives. The university's commitment to Paterson is long-term and collaborative, with a focus on addressing the city's challenges and creating meaningful change.
